1

Oil Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor. Job Duties ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

As a Roughneck you are responsible for performing various manual labor tasks associated with the ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

As a Roughneck you are responsible for performing various manual labor tasks associated with the ... oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.

... the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the drilling activities and equipment. 11.

... the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the drilling activities and equipment. 11.

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Ability to read and have a basic ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Ability to read and have a basic ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Tyler, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections * Various levels of ... Various levels of knowledge and experience repairing multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ... as checking / changing oil and coolant on engines * Assist Derrickhand with watching and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Oil Roughneck information

See salary details

$10

$15

$22

How much do oil roughneck jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil roughneck in the United States is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil roughneck?

Oil roughnecks are workers on oil rigs responsible for a variety of physically demanding tasks, including drilling, maintaining equipment, and handling drilling fluids. They work as part of the drilling crew under the supervision of a driller or rig manager. The job often involves long hours, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Roughnecks play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of oil drilling activities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an oil roughneck?

To thrive as an Oil Roughneck, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by safety and rig operation training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety harnesses, and sometimes certifications like H2S Alive or Basic Safety Orientation are typical requirements. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to follow safety protocols set successful roughnecks apart. These competencies are crucial for maintaining efficient operations and ensuring safety in the demanding and hazardous oilfield environment.

What are common challenges faced by oil roughnecks on drilling sites?

Oil roughnecks often encounter physically demanding work and exposure to harsh weather conditions, as drilling sites operate around the clock in remote or extreme environments. Adapting to long shifts, maintaining safety protocols, and working cohesively with a diverse crew are key challenges. Additionally, roughnecks must quickly learn to operate heavy machinery and respond calmly to unexpected situations to ensure both personal safety and the smooth operation of the drilling process.

What is the difference between Oil Roughneck vs Drilling Rig Worker?

AspectOil RoughneckDrilling Rig Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sitesOffshore/onshore drilling sites
Job RoleAssists in drilling operations, handling equipmentSupports drilling activities, equipment maintenance
Industry UsageOil and gas extractionOil and gas extraction

Oil Roughnecks and Drilling Rig Workers often perform similar tasks in drilling operations, with overlapping credentials and work environments. The term 'Oil Roughneck' is more specific to the hands-on, physically demanding roles on drilling sites, while 'Drilling Rig Worker' can encompass a broader range of support roles. Both positions are essential in the oil and gas industry, focusing on operational support and safety.

Do the oil roughnecks get paid?

Oil roughnecks are typically paid hourly wages or salaries, with pay rates varying based on experience, location, and company. They often work long shifts in challenging environments and may receive additional compensation such as overtime or hazard pay.

How much do oil roughnecks make?

Oil roughnecks typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those working in high-cost regions earning higher wages. Overtime, shift differentials, and hazard pay can increase total compensation, and the job often requires physical stamina and safety certifications.
More about Oil Roughneck jobs

What cities are hiring for Oil Roughneck jobs?

Cities with the most Oil Roughneck job openings:

What states have the most Oil Roughneck jobs?

States with the most job openings for Oil Roughneck jobs include:

Infographic showing various Oil Roughneck job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,578 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Our core values - Stewardship, Character, Collaborate, Learn, Disrupt - are the lens through which we evaluate every business decision. As a dynamic, growing company that offers extremely competitive compensation and benefits, our employees are our most valued assets and the foundation of Expands performance among our E&P competitors.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We realize that, historically, underrepresented groups feel the need to be 100% qualified in order to apply. If you meet any combination of our requirements, we encourage you to apply. We strive to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Job Summary

The Roughneck is primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. They will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a safe and efficient manner under the direct supervision of the Driller. The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs rig up and rig down activities as assigned.
  • Performs "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of the blowout preventer stack.
  • Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components.
  • Assists the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties.
  • Performs emergency procedures.
  • Ensures that work carried out is in compliance with company policies and procedures and according to safety regulations.
Job Specific Skills
  • Ability to assist with tools and parts
  • Ability to maintain a safe work environment
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment
  • Knowledge of chemical and fractionator systems
Education & Experience

Minimum: High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent is required

Minimum: 0 - 6+ years related experience

Minimum training requirements: Health, Safety and Environment Orientation and Rig Specific Start Up Training

Additional Qualifications

Expand Energy takes necessary action to ensure that all applicants are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Expand Energy Corporation's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.